Reversibility

In Trial 1 of this experiment, you will determine the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction for light passing from air into a more optically dense medium (the acrylic of the D-shaped lens).

In Trial 2, you will determine whether the same relationship holds between the angles of incidence and refraction for light passing out of a more optically dense medium back into air. That is to say, if the light is traveling in the opposite direction through the lens, is the law of refraction the same or different? By comparing the results of both trials, you will find the answer to this question.

Grade Level: CollegeHigh School

Subject: Physics

Student Files

Reversibility 1.21 MB
Reversibility 587.31 KB

Teacher Files

Sign In to your PASCO account to access teacher files and sample data.

Support

Many lab activities can be conducted with our Wireless, PASPORT, or even ScienceWorkshop sensors and equipment. For assistance with substituting compatible instruments, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.

Copyright Disclaimer: Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 makes allowance for “fair use” for purposes of teaching, scholarship, education and research. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO, is prohibited.